BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – City dad Claudio Jesus Reymundo “Kalaw” Puentevella said the possible overlapping of reclaimed land by two firms off the coast of three seaside villages here has raised the need for a review of the technical details first before the process for the granting of permits can proceed m
Puentevella, who chairs the local council’s environment committee, told DNX it would be good to look closely at the technical specifications before the process moves forward for both firms.
The first proponent, Bacolod Gateway Reclamation Corporation is a firm owned by the family of sitting Councilor Vladimir Gonzalez, a businessman and ally of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez who had earlier said the projects will benefit the city.
Gonzalez had earlier presented to the city their plans on the reclamation and development project covering 621 hectares of coastline in Barangays 1, 2, and Banago.
Jad Gonzalez, the councilor’s son who he said heads the family firm, is mum for now, telling DNX he has yet to ask his “partners” as to what he can present to the public though he assured they will be part of another city council hearing next week.
The other reported proponent, construction magnate Jerry Sy, is president of the Silver Dragon Construction Corporation.
His firm reportedly plans to reclaim off Bamago, too, for 150 hectares of land.
Banago village chief Ricky Mijares said
Around 5,000 residents may be affected by this project according to Village Chief, Ricky Mijares.
Puentevella said he expects the Sy family to join the hearing of the city council next week.
The councilor also added that there was no official communication from the group of Sy sent to barangay officials about the project.
Mijares on the other hand said, These companies should have presented their plans to the barangay so he can make his people understand.
“I cannot risk the livelihood of the residents for this,” Mijares told DNX.
